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How to ensure maximum protection of wood from fire? Protecting wood from fire: means and methods Applying a fireproof coating to wooden structures

Any wooden structures that are in the house need additional protection from fire. Special compositions can increase the fire safety of wood and protect it from fire. On the features of the selection, application and calculation of fire protection wooden structures find out further.

Material for fire protection of wooden structures

Before getting acquainted with the types of compositions that protect wood from fire, we suggest studying the requirements for this kind of composition. All impregnations that are applied to wooden surfaces must:

1. Have a high degree of fire protection.

All compositions are divided into two groups of fire protection of wooden structures: I and II. Each composition is assigned to these groups after a thorough study. During the study, the composition is exposed to fire for two minutes. With a weight loss of more than ten percent, the composition belongs to group number two, better compositions belong to the first group. At the same time, if the level of weight loss is more than twenty-five percent, these compounds cannot properly cope with fire protection.

2. Provide adequate protection of wood from exposure high temperature.

To determine the fire safety of a tree, its combustibility and susceptibility to ignition are calculated, and special attention is paid to the formation of smoke and toxicity.

3. To be confirmed by certificates and documents that testify to the high quality of the compositions.

First of all, the document indicates the degree of protection of objects from fire. In addition, the absence of toxic substances in the solution is recorded in the appropriate certificate with sanitary standards.

4. Pay attention to the level of material consumption - it should be as low as possible, but at the same time, the impregnation should be highly efficient.

5. The type of composition and the type of surface to be treated must match each other.

There are universal and special impregnations. The former are suitable for several surface options at once, while the latter are used only for wood, concrete, plastic, etc.

6. The manufacturability of the impregnation lies in the absence of additional work on the dilution of the composition, application with a brush or roller.

7. In addition, an important role should be given to the aesthetic appeal of the surface after applying the composition. After impregnation, the surface should not change color and texture. This is especially true for wood. After applying the varnish, the level of protection of wood from fire should not decrease.

Exist a large number of materials used for fire protection of wood. First of all, we note the paint and varnish compositions, for the application of which a brush, roller or spray is used. In addition, to improve the performance of fire protection, materials are used in the form of:

1. GVL - the profile parts of the structure are treated with additional solutions. The installation of non-combustible gypsum fiber boards prevents contact between the wood and the thermal energy that acts on it. If it is not possible to process the material with the help of impregnations, then it is recommended to install just such plates.

2. Another option is to use rolled fire protection for wood. The material has the form of foil insulation. Such fire protection is applied if the application is carried out in hard-to-reach places, such as an attic or attic.

3. Constructive options for protecting wood from fire involves the use of special refractory belts. Such elements prevent the spread of fire and increase the effectiveness of fire protection. In a special technological map and in the fire protection project, the places of installation of these structures are indicated.

4. Additional elements that provide fire protection. For these purposes, a brick frame is built on wooden structures, or the walls are treated with a solution of plaster with vermiculite.

The choice of fire protection of wooden structures SNIPS

When choosing fire protection for a tree, you should be extremely careful. Since this material is easily combustible and must be qualitatively protected from fire.

Most often, fire protection is entrusted to specialized companies that develop project documentation, a scheme and methods of fire protection in advance. If the work area is small, then it is quite possible to independently carry out fire protection without the involvement of outside specialists.

When choosing a composition to protect a tree from fire, pay attention to the following indicators:

1. The level of fire resistance. The best ingredients are pastes and mastics. Compositions with lubricating characteristics provide a high degree and effectiveness of wood protection. To determine the quality of processing, it is enough to conduct a visual inspection of the treated area. However, these formulations also have certain disadvantages. First of all, this is a decrease in the attractiveness of the appearance of the coating. Therefore, the relevance of their application is achieved in hidden areas, with a low level of access.

2. The second property of high-quality fire protection is resistance to precipitation and adverse environmental factors. It is not recommended to process facades with frost-resistant water-based varnish. Aqueous impregnations are easily washed off. External areas are treated with silicone-based compounds that contain synthetic substances. After applying such a composition, the wood is covered with any kind of paint, while not losing fire retardant characteristics. These compositions are indelible or slightly washable.

3. Aesthetic indicators are important if the wood is in prominent areas. In this case, we recommend that you turn to varnishes or compositions that have a liquid base. After their application, neither the color nor the texture of the wood changes. Some impregnations are also colorless and allow not only to protect the wood from fire, but also highlight its texture. Some paints contain refractory components in their composition, thus both coloring and fire protection of wood are produced.

4. The level of fire protection - you can easily find out this coefficient by looking at the packaging of the composition. The instructions also indicate the optimal number of layers that are applied to the wooden surface.

The duration and effectiveness of impregnations is determined not only by their quality, but also by compliance with the application technology.

Tool for fire protection of wooden structures

In relation to the type of composition used, a tool is selected that provides fire protection:

1. A device in the form of an airbrush - is used only in the case of applying paints or varnishes to wood. Not recommended for deep penetration impregnations. Evenly and quickly distributes the composition on the surface.

2. Some compounds are applied directly to a wooden surface, if it was previously painted, then it is necessary to remove the old paint. This will require the presence of a building hair dryer and spatulas.

3. With the help of an autoclave, it is possible to perform deep impregnation of wood. Thus, even when exposed to excessively high temperatures and open flames, the wood will not burn. The depth of fire protection is provided by selective cutting.

4. In some cases, the impregnation is applied using the hot-cold bath method. This method application of materials provides the highest degree of fire protection. In this case, a special container will be required, inside which the beam is heated, followed by the application of the composition and the process of its cooling.

Technology of fire protection of wooden roof structures

Every roof with wooden elements needs fire protection. This rule is spelled out in the SNiP for fire protection of wooden structures to the requirements. If you do not protect the roof from the effects of fire, then in the event of a fire, the stability of the load-bearing elements decreases first of all and the roof collapses. To select materials that provide fire protection for the roof, you should refer to such regulatory documents as GOST and SNiP.

A project of fire protection of wooden structures is preliminarily drawn up. There are five main classes of fire resistance. In the process of roofing, five main subspecies of this processing are also distinguished.

The use of standard impregnations improves the resistance of the roof to fire for several hours. However, this fire protection option is mandatory, but not the only one. In addition, special design solutions should be used, suitable building materials that improve the fire resistance of the building.

In addition, additional fire protection means are determined by the climatic features of the region, the scope of the building, the type of wood, etc.

If the building has attic floor, then its fire resistance coefficient must exceed 45R. In children's and preschool institutions, all wooden structures are subject to mandatory plastering. For processing rafters use paints and varnishes. In residential apartment buildings, only non-combustible substances are used as finishing materials for the roof.

First of all, fire protection should perform the function of preventing the development of fire until the arrival of special services. Works on fire protection of wooden structures are carried out in a specially established manner. On the roof, the following elements can be processed:

  • farms, rafter system and arches - in this way it is possible to prevent their ignition and a decrease in the strength of the roof under the influence of open fire, such impregnation is applied to roofs of any purpose, both in one-story and multi-story buildings;
  • processing of the lathing of the roofing system - this process required if, as finishing material used for roofing shingles and other materials prone to fire;
  • if the floor slabs are also on the roof, they can also be processed without fail.

Methods and verification of fire protection of wooden structures

In order to increase the fire resistance of the roof, it is necessary to perform a comprehensive fire protection. That is, applying one impregnation will not be enough. Among the main methods of fire protection of the roof, we note:

1. Application of fire retardant mastics - a brush is used for this. Try to apply the composition without missing the slightest element. The quality and service life of fire protection depends on this.

2. Insulation with fire-resistant characteristics - when insulating the roof, we recommend installing materials that are not prone to fire. Such heaters not only prevent fire, but also protect the tree from heat.

3. Covering the roof with fire retardant paint provides long-term fire protection for wood. During the heating process, this material releases substances such as water and gas. A special protective layer is formed on the wood.

4. If the wood is processed by heating the bath, then it is recommended to apply impregnations. This type of processing is characterized by low material consumption and high efficiency.

5. A variant of gravel backfilling of the roof is possible - this is relevant only if the value of the total thickness of the waterproofing layer is no more than 0.6 cm.

6. In order to protect the metal objects of the roof, special fire-retardant pastes are used.

7. A combination of several compositions is possible to provide fire protection.

If, when applied to wooden surfaces, it is necessary to preserve the color of the wood, we recommend choosing a varnish with fire-retardant characteristics. In addition, varnishes protect the wood from moisture and temperature changes.

Using paints and enamels, it is possible to simultaneously not only paint, but also protect the tree from fire. In this case, the application of the composition is carried out by any convenient way- By brush, roller or spray.

Technical and attic rooms are treated with pastes, mastics or other coatings. In this case, the aesthetic appeal of the treated surface is reduced, but the effectiveness of protection is improved.

Impregnations are applied airless or by heating a cold bath. The minimum temperature for applying these compounds is five degrees.

In addition, fire protection materials are divided into:

  • internal;
  • external.

The first option is not resistant to moisture, sudden changes in temperature, but most often contains natural and harmless components in its composition. Impregnations for outdoor work have a synthetic base and resist moisture.


Currently, the most common building material is wood and wood products. However, along with the advantages that distinguish it from other building materials, wood also has disadvantages, the main of which are easy flammability and combustibility.

In this regard, the problem of fire protection of wood is of great importance. different ways, the most effective of which are treatment with fire-retardant coatings and impregnation with special compounds.

The first method of fire protection consists in applying a coating layer to the surface of the protected material, the effectiveness of which is determined by the physicochemical properties and adhesion to the given surface. When locally exposed to a short-term source of ignition, fire-retardant coatings make it difficult to burn wooden structures, facilitate fire extinguishing, and in some cases exclude the possibility of its occurrence. Fire protection by the method of impregnation consists in the introduction of special substances into the material - flame retardants. This method provides protection of wooden structures from fire during local fire exposure in the conditions of a fire. In this case, only charring of the material is observed, which is limited by the area affected by the flame.

Wood fire protection

Fire protection of wooden structures must be carried out in accordance with the requirements of the chapters of SNiP and the Fire Code of Building Design.

Normative documentation for the production of fire protection products for wood must include, without fail, information about the fire retardant effectiveness of the composition, determined in accordance with GOST 16363-76 (ST SEV 4686-84).

Flame retardants include only compositions of groups I and II of fire retardant efficiency. The compositions of group I provide a weight loss of protected wood under test conditions of not more than nine percent (means providing slow-burning wood), and compositions of group II - a weight loss in the range of nine to thirty percent (means providing slow-burning wood).

When used in construction of flame retardants, determination of the combustibility group of the material building structure protected by this composition is carried out in accordance with ST SEV 2437-80.

In accordance with the Law Russian Federation"On the Protection of Consumer Rights" dated February 7, 1992, fire protection products for wood are subject to mandatory certification as products designed to ensure the safety of people and preserve material assets. The certificate confirming the quality of the flame retardant is issued only by a certification body accredited in accordance with the current legislation.

The issued licenses are not transferable to other legal and individuals. When the enterprise is liquidated, the composition of the founders, the place of activity specified in the license is changed, it loses its force.

The central and territorial licensing authorities exercise control over the license area in the following areas:

Compliance of the type of fire protection works specified in the license;

Compliance of fire protection works with the requirements of standards, norms, fire safety rules, technical and licensed conditions.

Conditions for applying wood fire protection agents

An important condition for the quality of fire retardant treatment is compliance with the requirements for the condition of wooden structures and products, surface preparation and technology for applying fire protection agents.

Requirements for structures and surface preparation

Fire retardants (coatings, varnishes, paints, impregnations, etc.) should be applied to finished wooden structures and products that are not subjected to subsequent mechanical processing, the moisture content of which should not exceed 15%. In the case when it is necessary to remove the protective layer from some parts of the surface, additional processing should be carried out according to the technology corresponding to the fire protection agent used.

Before applying fire protection means, the surface must be cleaned of dust and dirt. Surfaces previously treated with enamels, paints, impregnations and other compounds, as well as those with oil and bituminous stains, must be thoroughly cleaned before application.

General requirements for the technology of applying fire protection

Surface treatment should be carried out in the conditions of completed construction at a positive temperature and relative humidity of no more than 70% or in accordance with the requirements of the NTD. It is not allowed to carry out fire protection works at negative temperatures, exposure to atmospheric precipitation and direct sunlight.

The application of flame retardants during surface treatment is carried out by brush, roller, dipping, pneumatic spraying or special installations.

Fire protection agents should be applied in an even layer, without gaps and sagging, carefully treating the junctions of individual parts.

In the case of the use of some means of fire protection, additional processing of fire-protected surfaces with paints and enamels is allowed in order to protect against moisture and give a decorative look. Marks of paints and enamels must be indicated in the NTD for the fire protection agent used. When using complex coatings (fire retardant composition + surface protective treatment), mandatory certification tests are required to confirm the fire retardant effectiveness of this complex.

Fire retardants have different operational stability and durability. In this regard, it is necessary to systematically monitor the state of the protected surface and, if necessary, carry out timely repair and restoration work.

Fire protection means, technology of their preparation and application

Depending on the purpose and scope of the means used for fire protection of wood and products from it, they are divided into the following types:

  • varnishes- forming a thin transparent film on the protected surface, which allows to preserve the texture of the wood, has decorative properties and protects against fire;
  • paints, enamels- forming a thin opaque layer of various colors and shades on the protected surface, giving decorative look, preventing ignition, the spread of flame over the surface and protecting against moisture;
  • coatings, coatings- paste-like compositions applied to the protected surface, which protect against fire and do not have sufficient decorative properties;
  • impregnations - aqueous solutions of salts (fire retardants), applied to the surface of wood, introduced by the method of deep impregnation under pressure or by the method of warming-cold bath and reducing its fire hazard.

In addition, fire protection means can be weather-resistant and non-weather-resistant, non-weather-resistant are used in closed heated rooms with a relative humidity of no more than 70%, and also resistant in an aggressive environment (when exposed to aggressive vapors and gases).

It should be noted that fire-retardant coatings based on liquid glass and a silicophosphate binder, due to chemical interaction with carbon dioxide and other aggressive gases in the air, are covered with spots (whitish coating, salting out) and cracks during operation, which worsens the decorative and operational properties of the treated surfaces.

Currently, more than 100 types of various fire retardants are produced. It is simply impossible to consider them in detail. With the most famous brands compositions can be found in the corresponding section of our website

Fire-retardant coatings

Given the low income level of a significant part of the population of our country, it is useful to dwell on fire-retardant coatings in more detail. The composition of these coatings will allow, if there are simple and widespread components in the household, to prepare the coating on your own.

Superphosphate coating

Superphosphate coating (SPO) is a mixture of superphosphate and water. It is used for fire protection inside sheds, attics and other premises. In view of the unsatisfactory appearance of the SFO, it is recommended to use it in rooms that do not have decorative requirements. The composition of the coating and the consumption of components per 1 m2 of the protected surface are given in the table below:

Name of components The content of components,% wt. Consumption of components per 1m2 of surface, g
Superphosphate (GOST 5956-78) 70,0 1120
Water 30,0 480
Total: 100,0 1600

Note: In order to obtain the required working consistency of the coating, the amount of water may vary depending on the moisture content of the superphosphate.

Wood, fire-retardant with the composition of the Siberian Federal District, refers to flame-retardant materials (GOST 16363-76).

SFO is applied with a brush in two layers with intermediate drying for at least 12 hours. SFO consumption is 1.6 kg/m2. Practical drying at a temperature of (18-20)°C and air humidity of 70% - no more than 48 hours.

The color of the dried coating is white.

To prepare the composition, the required amount of superphosphate is poured into an iron or wooden container and water is added to it with thorough mixing to a paint consistency. Prepared SFO should be used within 6 hours.

Lime-clay-salt coating

Fire-retardant lime-clay-salt coating (IGSO) is a mixture of lime dough with clay and table salt. IGSO is designed for fire protection inside sheds, attics and other premises that do not require decorative appearance.
The composition of IGSO and the consumption of components per 1 m2 of the protected surface are given below:

Note: In order to obtain the desired IGSO consistency, the amount of water can be changed with a corresponding increase or decrease in the consumption of the coating per 1 m2 in order to maintain the weight gain of the coating.
Note: In order to obtain the required working consistency of the coating, the amount of water may vary depending on the moisture content of the superphosphate.

Wood treated with IGSO composition belongs to the group of flame-retardant materials (GOST 16363-76).

IGSO is applied with a brush in two layers with intermediate drying for at least 12 hours at a temperature of (18-20) ° C and a relative air humidity of not more than 70%, the practical drying of the coating is not more than 24 hours.

The color of the IGSO is white, the consumption per 1m2 of the protected surface is 1.4 kg.

IGSO is prepared in wooden or corrosion-protected metal containers as follows. Fluffy lime is crushed and sifted through a sieve having at least 900 holes / cm2, kneaded with water into a dough in a ratio of 1:1. In order to obtain a more plastic dough, kneading must be done 1-2 days before the preparation of the coating.

When using ready-made lime paste instead of fluffy lime, it should be borne in mind that its moisture content is 50%. When using lime dough with a different moisture content, it is necessary to recalculate its content in the recipe.

Table salt is crushed, sifted through a sieve with 900 holes / cm2, mixed with water and the required amount of clay is kneaded. The clay dough obtained in this way is mixed with lime dough, after thorough mixing, the IGSO is ready for use. It is recommended to store IGSO in a closed container.

In order to avoid corrosion, metal structural elements must be protected with bituminous varnishes, drying oil, etc. before processing with IGSO.

Impregnation of wood with flame retardant

Surface treatment of wood with an impregnating composition is carried out by immersion, brush, pneumatic spraying. When impregnated by the immersion method, the exposure time of the wood in the impregnating solution is at least 20-30 minutes.

Processing wood with a brush and pneumatic spray is usually done 2-3 times with a break of several hours. For better absorption, the flame retardant can be slightly warmed up.

Proliferated and painted with any paints and compositions, wooden surfaces cannot be protected by an impregnating composition.

The impregnated parts should not be subjected to additional mechanical processing, leading to the removal of the fire-retardant layer. In the case when it is necessary to remove the protective layer from some parts of the protected surface, additional impregnation with the solution should be carried out as a new surface.

The actual consumption of the composition, depending on the configuration and dimensions of the treated surfaces of structural elements and the losses associated with them, can increase up to 1000 g/m2.

With repeated re-treatment of the surface, a decrease in the consumption of the solution is allowed.

Impregnation by dipping is carried out in the following sequence: wood products are placed in a bath filled with an impregnating solution, fixed with anti-float devices so that the level of the impregnating liquid during impregnation is 80-100 mm higher than the top layer of the impregnated products.

The impregnation time, depending on the solution used, can be up to 24 hours. There is a method of impregnation in which the wood is first soaked in a hot solution, and then in a cold one.

All photos from the article

Wood has been a very common material for construction for many centuries, from which craftsmen make not only certain elements of buildings, but also entire structures. Wood can be attributed not only to processed beams, but also to other materials that are made on its basis.

All buildings based on such materials can be considered wooden structures. As you know, a tree has one huge drawback - it ignites very quickly in a fire, so the treatment of such structural elements with a fire retardant composition is in the best possible way protecting buildings from fire. If all wooden structures were treated with flame retardants, then the number of fires would decrease tenfold.

Encyclopedia of fire retardants

Since wood is one of the most popular building materials due to its low cost, there is a need to treat it with flame retardants. To avoid a fire, shortly before construction, it is necessary to cover and impregnate the wood with a fire retardant. To fully understand the principle of material processing with this product, it is necessary to find out what a fire retardant is, how to choose a quality fire retardant for wood, and much more.

What is a fire retardant?

Chemical compounds that prevent the ignition of wood materials are called fire retardants. This name was obtained by combining the Greek words "anti" and "feast", which are translated as "against" and "fire". As a result, a wooden structure treated with such a composition is able to resist the effects of fire for a much longer time.

Flame retardants begin to melt much earlier than wood ignites, since such compounds have a low melting point. That is why the flame retardant impregnation forms an oxygen barrier between the source of ignition and the wood, which supports combustion.

Often, flame retardants for wood contain components of chemical origin, which are fusible and are derivatives of phosphorus, silicon and boric acid. In addition to the fact that such products create a protective film, even when exposed to fire, they begin to emit gases that prevent combustion. Thus, when the treated wood layer is heated, volatile substances are formed that displace oxygen from the area of ​​contact between wood and fire.

Fire retardant classification

The action of flame retardants lies in the chemical and physical processes of the components that are part of the flame retardants.

The main components of such protective compositions are:

  • substances that emit gas (sulphurous or ammonia);
  • substances that are low-melting (salt solutions of silicic, phosphoric or boric acids)

During heating of fusible substances, a protective film is formed, which does not allow oxygen to penetrate to the surface of the wood. Through this process, the ignition temperature of the wood coating is increased and the fire resistance of the material is improved.

When using substances that emit gas, the combustion process itself is inhibited. Such a gas removes oxygen from the treated surface and thereby protects the wooden structure from ignition.

Flame retardants can be divided into:

  • impregnation;
  • coatings

Fire retardants for wood in the form of a coating have one significant drawback: they strongly hide the texture pattern of wood and thereby significantly worsen it. appearance. For this reason, many recommend using coatings only for processing structures in hard-to-reach places.

Impregnations are:

  • organically soluble;
  • water soluble

Note! Solvent formulations are used with flammable solvents. Since this is unacceptable for wood materials, it is best to use water-based impregnations.

Water-soluble impregnations are of 3 types:

  • light washable;
  • poorly washable;
  • indelible

To check the quality of the purchased composition, you can apply it to a small piece of wood and, after complete drying, do the following:

  • using a lighter, set fire to a sample of wood treated with flame retardant;
  • a piece of wood should not smolder or burn;
  • after 0.5 minutes, the surface of the workpiece should be charred and blackened, but not ignited.

If the fire does not appear, then the flame retardant you purchased meets quality standards and can be used to process wooden structures and objects. The video presented in this article will tell you more about fire protection for wood.

Loved by mankind for its strength and natural beauty, wood is afraid not only of moisture and dampness - it is also very combustible. For centuries, people have been looking for how to protect their homes from fire, inventing various solutions and techniques to minimize the combustibility of wood and reduce fire damage. To this end, various non-combustible substances were added to building compositions for the purpose of fire-retardant treatment of wood. Gradually, fire-resistant varnishes, paints and impregnations appeared.

How fire protection works

Protection of wood from fire is possible in two ways:

  1. Flame retardants, which include low-melting substances (salts of silicic, boric or phosphoric acid), melt when heated, forming a resistant film that does not allow air to pass to the wooden surface. Due to this, the ignition temperature of the tree is significantly increased, and hence its fire resistance.
  2. If the fire-fighting mixture contains ammonia or other similar preparations, then during a fire they release gases that suppress the flame and push oxygen away from the surface of the wood.

Varieties of mixtures

All compositions, depending on the basis, can be divided into:

  1. Paints. Provide good protection by coating wood products with a dense and durable film. Cons: hide the beauty of the surface; toxic. It is good to use them for fireproof protection of old buildings.
  2. Lucky. They emphasize the beauty of a wooden surface, reliably protect it from fire, but due to toxicity, they are not suitable for interior work.
  3. Impregnation - are used most often.

The latter need to be considered in more detail. Impregnations perfectly preserve the structure of the tree, penetrate deeply into the depth of the material, protecting it from fire.

Depending on the solvent can be:

  • solvent-soluble - often toxic, used for outdoor work.
  • water-soluble - non-toxic, suitable for treating walls inside and out.

Water-soluble impregnations are divided into:

  1. Easily washable. Used in dry and moderately humid indoor areas, well suited for living rooms, provide good protection in case of fire.
  2. Washable. They are used for processing living rooms and utility rooms with moderate humidity, they protect wood well from fire.
  3. Difficult to wash. Suitable for wet areas (kitchen, bathroom) and outdoor use.
  4. Non-washable compositions with increased flame retardant function. Well suited for external and internal processing of baths, saunas and other fire hazardous objects.

Processing methods

Impregnation wooden products fire protection can be of various depths:

  1. Surface. As a rule, it is carried out on already finished objects. The composition is applied to a well-cleaned and degreased surface with a brush, roller or spraying, left to dry, and then other decorative woodwork is carried out. Fire resistance is moderate.
  2. Moderate. It is carried out by soaking in special baths, it is carried out even during the construction process. Provides good fire protection to the building.
  3. Deep, using an autoclave. Such impregnation is possible only in an industrial way, when the composition is driven under pressure deep into the pores of the wood. The resulting board has high fire and bioprotective qualities and does not require subsequent treatment with protective agents.

When choosing a method and solution for processing, it should be borne in mind that the deeper the composition penetrates into the base of the tree, the higher its resistance to fire will be. If it is possible to use autoclaved wood for construction, then it is better to build from it.

Degrees of protection

According to fire safety standards, the degree of protection of wood from fire can be:

  1. Maximum, first class. Such fire and biological protection is inherent in wood after autoclave treatment. Buildings made of such material are able not to catch fire under the influence of fire for up to 150 minutes.
  2. Average, second grade. The treated wood becomes difficult to ignite, able to resist flames up to 90 minutes. Such stability is achieved by soaking the board before construction in a bath with a flame retardant composition.
  3. Low, third class. This is achieved by surface treatment of buildings with solutions, which is typical for private residential buildings.

Self-protection of the building from fire

Unfortunately, it is impossible to give the finished building the first and second class of protection of wood from fire. But the composition chosen depending on the purpose will help to significantly reduce the fire hazard. When choosing an impregnation, you must consider:

  1. Heating capacity of the room. For attics, verandas, as well as for outdoor work, frost-resistant compounds must be taken.
  2. Influence of atmospheric factors. For the street, hard-to-wash mixtures are needed.
  3. Environmental friendliness. For residential premises, only non-toxic preparations are suitable, and when working with toxic ones, it is necessary to use protective equipment.
  4. Aesthetics. As a rule, impregnating agents do not affect the color and texture of the wood in any way.
  5. Profitability.
  6. Fire safety. The instructions for use should indicate the protective degree of the drug.
  7. Sustainability. How much time should elapse before further processing.

Applying flame retardant preparations to a wooden surface is easy. It is carried out in the same way as when using other types of impregnations:

  1. All impregnation works are carried out at positive temperatures in calm weather or in a well-ventilated area. Working at negative temperatures will reduce the absorbent qualities of the wood surface and reduce the protective properties of the solution.
  2. Boards are cleared of old paint, dirt and dust.
  3. If possible, degreasing with white spirit is carried out.
  4. The solution is evenly applied to the prepared area with a brush, roller or spray gun.
  5. The surface is dried and the final decorative and construction work is carried out.

Tip: the fire-retardant qualities of the treatment carried out can be checked independently. To do this, from different places of the wooden structure, you need to take small chips and hold them over the flame.

Without constant exposure to fire, the sliver should go out. Carrying out fire-retardant impregnation of buildings is a responsible process that should not be neglected during construction or redecoration.

Proper application of flame retardants to wooden surfaces will increase the safety of a residential building. But it is worth remembering that even the highest quality preparations applied by a surface method, after a couple of years, under the influence of atmospheric phenomena, reduce their protective properties. They will need to be reapplied.

Wood is the most common building material. It allows us to carry out the design of almost any design, to create an atmosphere of comfort and warmth. In addition, wood is a natural material that has a positive effect on human health. However, there are times when such structures are at risk. For example, in case of fire. Therefore, fire protection of wooden structures is a desirable procedure.

Is it necessary to protect wood in this way?

The answer is unequivocal - yes. even the most simple processing enhances fire resistance. At the same time, you not only protect your home from destruction, but also insure your own life. And spending a little money on flame retardants can save you a lot more money in the event of a fire.

Fire protection of wooden structures can cost in different ways. It all depends on the type of product chosen, its properties and manufacturer. To do right choice, you should first understand the classification of fire retardants and the features of their use.

Benefits of the procedure

Before you fire protection of wooden structures, you need to consider its advantages:

1. Relative processing cost. Whatever price you have to pay for the remedy, it will cost you less than a ruined house.

2. Large selection of funds. Moreover, both in terms of application types and properties. That is, different designs can be treated with different compositions.

3. Ease of use. Fire protection of wooden structures can be done with your own hands. This will also save you a lot of money.

4. High efficiency. In the event of a fire, your structures may char, but will not catch fire.

5. Wide availability. You can purchase the necessary composition at any hardware store.

Processing tasks and its scope

Before fire protection can be made, it is necessary to find out exactly where it can be used and what it should provide. The main objectives of the procedure are:

  1. from fire.
  2. Stop the spread of open fire.
  3. "Passive" localization of a fire at its very beginning, that is, without the use of any additional means.

Fire protection is used for almost all wooden structures:

  1. Roof truss systems.
  2. Floors and walls, both inside and outside.
  3. Lumber that is intended for storage in warehouses.

In principle, such protection is used both in private and multi-storey construction.

Fund types

Now let's look at the classification of the presented substances:

1. Flame retardants. These chemical compositions serve to prevent wood fires. They are phosphate and intumescent. Their feature is that during heating they form a film and which absorb excess heat and do not give oxygen access to the source of ignition.

2. Coating materials. They consist of a binding component, often inorganic (alabaster, lime or clay), as well as a refractory filler (mica, asbestos). In order to prevent a fire, such material should be applied in a thick layer. Naturally, this method has one drawback: the surface does not have a decorative look.

3. These funds are applied to the tree in a fairly thin layer. This creates a film of 1 mm, which, when heated to a high temperature, tends to foam and block the access of oxygen to the structure. Varnishes have the same characteristics, but they do not spoil the wood. On the contrary, they can greatly improve it.

4. Impregnation. As part of these funds, both organic components and flammable solvents can be noted. Therefore, you should be extremely careful when working with them. Fire retardant impregnation for some time is able to stop the spread of fire.

5. Combined substances. They can effectively protect the tree not only from fire, but also from pests (beetles, rodents, and others).

This classification is the main one and makes it possible to determine exactly the tool that suits you best.

How to choose a substance?

Before the fire protection of the wooden structures of the roof or other parts of the structure is carried out, it is necessary to purchase a suitable composition. So, when choosing, pay attention to the following criteria:

  • The ability not to affect the appearance of the processed structure. It all depends on your needs. For example, fire protection of wooden roof structures can be any, because it is not visible in those rooms where you are constantly located, and does not spoil their appearance.
  • The product must be approved for indoor use. That is, it should not contain any toxic elements that can cause health problems.
  • Fire protection should not impair the natural properties of wood.
  • Please note that the products presented can have a negative effect on metals.
  • Naturally, attention should also be paid to the consumption of the composition per 1 sq.m. It depends on how much money you spend.

Naturally, you should buy it only at certified points of sale. Each composition must have the necessary accompanying documents confirming its quality.

In principle, the presented funds can be used almost everywhere. However, there are certain caveats:

Do not apply compounds to wet or frozen wood. This will not give the desired effect.

Do not cover the surface that has already been painted with other paintwork materials.

Fire retardant impregnation for wood cannot be used on other types of building materials (metal, concrete, brick, plastic).

Fire protection works can only be carried out during the warm season.

Features of applying the composition

First of all, remember that you should work in protective clothing so that the impregnation does not get on bare areas of the body. The fact is that it can cause a burn or other damage. Before you start, you need to collect necessary tools. It all depends on the type of fire protection. For example, you can use a regular brush or sprayer. You can also use normal immersion for a short period. However, these methods do not provide deep impregnation.

It is best to use soaking methods. This will provide more deep penetration. Naturally, this method is more laborious and time consuming.

It is necessary to apply the product in compliance with the consumption norms. Before that, it should be diluted according to the system indicated in the instructions. This will ensure the effectiveness of the substance indicated in the instructions. Do not work in rainy weather.

Before applying varnish or paint, the structure should be cleaned of debris and dust. If there are any irregularities, then they need to be handled especially carefully.

How often should the remedies presented be used?

Fireproofing should be carried out periodically. The fact is that the service life of impregnations can range from 1 year to 30 years. The coating should be checked every 12 months if the structure is open, and at the next repair if it is closed.

If there are chips, peeling or washing out of the protective coating on the surface of the wood, and they occupy more than 25% of the area, then the application needs to be repeated. Try to use the same tool that you used before. If you bought something else, then you need to check the compatibility of these two substances. And it is better to remove the old layer of fire protection altogether.

That's all. Impregnation of wooden structures may one day save your life. Try to be attentive. Good luck!